Gonzales’ debut solid
Rookie left-hander and former Gonzaga Bulldog Marco Gonzales had a strong start to his major league career before stumbling in the fourth inning, but the Cardinals’ bats helped him with a late rally.
Matt Adams homered and drove in two runs, Matt Holliday had three hits, and St. Louis came back to beat the Rockies 9-6 on Wednesday.
At one point Gonzales threw 12 straight strikes, and 30 of his first 37 pitches were strikes.
“It was the best day of my life right there,” Gonzales said. “It was a blast. A lot of family that I haven’t seen in a while, a lot of friends flying in from everywhere. I’m very grateful for it.”
The Cardinal-friendly crowd cheered throughout but gave him his loudest ovation when he struck out Tulowitzki on three changeups in the first inning.
Gonzales pitched five innings, receiving a no decision. He allowed five runs and seven hits, and struck out three. He doubled and scored the Cardinals’ first run in the third inning.
“I have no idea how I hit that pitch,” he said. “It was a pretty good slider.”
A’s stay in Coliseum
Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff says the club has reached a 10-year lease agreement with the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority to stay at the Oakland Coliseum.
The rundown Coliseum has had multiple sewage problems in the past year and an outage affecting the outfield lights on June 14.
Cubans punished
Cuban authorities say six baseball players have been ruled out of the national squad for trying to defect.
Government news website Cubadebate lists the players as pitchers Diosdani Castillo, Carlos Manuel Portuondo and Yasmani Hernandez Romero, as well as infielders Gelkis Jimenez and Adriel Labrada and outfielder Alejandro Jaime Ortiz.
Clearing the bases
The Iowa Cubs say Manny Ramirez will begin his stint as a player/coach for Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate today in Colorado Springs. … The Marlins have placed shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria on the 15-day disabled list because of a right triceps strain. … Giants center fielder Angel Pagan was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain. … The Indians have recalled left-hander Nick Hagadone from Triple-A Columbus and optioned right-hander Mark Lowe. …The Dodgers selected the contract of Clint Robinson from Triple-A Albuquerque and designated infielder Jamie Romak for assignment. … The Blue Jays have sent outfielder Kevin Pillar back to the minors, one day after the rookie threw his bat down the dugout steps when he was pulled for a pinch hitter.